How to Remove Liquid Chalk | Necessary steps in 2023

by Lindsey Carter

Liquid chalk is a versatile and attractive material. It is a unique addition that turns our monochrome stationery equipment into colorful craftwork.

At present, there is a variety of liquid chalk available in the market. They are diverse in color, type and nature. It is essential to buy the kind of liquid chalk that is compatible with your surface.

Generally, chalk markers are the most common form of consumption of liquid chalk. Different chalk markers are manufactured for different surfaces. Usually, they are made for smooth, non-porous canvases.

Porous objects absorb liquid very easily. So, using liquid chalk on a porous surface is going to leave traces called “ghosting” that do not go away no matter how much you wipe. Unfortunately, many times products turn out to be porous even though they seem to be non-porous.

But don’t panic! Here, we have listed some ways for How to remove liquid chalk effectively from various surfaces.

Essential Ways for How to Remove Liquid Chalk

Essential Ways for How to Remove Liquid Chalk
Essential Ways for How to Remove Liquid Chalk

Water for Smooth Surfaces

Liquid chalk is usually made of water soluble substance. However, you should always confirm with the seller before purchasing.

Even so, it is fairly easy to take off from non-porous surfaces like glass, car exterior and so on. Simply soak a cloth in clean water. Wring out the excess and rub the spot in circular motions until all of it is gone. Wipe it dry immediately to avoid hard water stains.

You can add a small amount of cleaning solvent to the water if you are trying to get rid of an old and stubborn stain.

Melamine Sponge (Magic Eraser) for Chalkboard

This might be hard to believe but not every chalkboard is compatible with chalk markers i.e. liquid chalk. Some might need an extra step to get rid of the ghosting from the liquid chalks completely.

Magic erasers are actually pieces of melamine foam with a cleansing agent inside of them.  Melamine foams are denser than regular sponges and are comparatively more abrasive as well. However, they are not as abrasive as sandpaper.

Dip the melamine sponge into water and squeeze out the excess. Gently scrub at the liquid chalk until it starts to disperse. Finally, wipe out the excess with a clean towel. Your chalkboard will be nice and clean by now.

This method can also remove colored liquid chalk or chalk marker stain.

Rubbing Alcohol for Clothes

Children tend to get messy when they are playing with chalk markers and may get stains from liquid chalk on their clothes but there is a method to get rid of these stains as well. You will need paper towels, rubbing alcohol and a strong liquid soap.

Turn the piece of clothing inside out with the stain facing down. Put some paper towels within the inside out shirt. Try to remember the location of the liquid chalk.

Soak a paper towel with rubbing alcohol. Next, dab onto the spot where the stain is. Once you have saturated the area with rubbing alcohol, put some liquid detergent or even dish soap directly onto the spot and work it up.

Throw the clothing in the wash after letting it sit for an hour. Do not use a dryer, let it air dry. Your piece of clothing will be as good as new.

Dish Soap for Carpet

Did you accidentally get liquid chalk on your precious carpet? Did it dry before you could wipe it away? Don’t worry! Let it dry completely.

First, use a vacuum cleaner with its brush attachment to get rid of the loose residue of chalk from the carpet. Next, make a soapy solution with two cups of water with one tablespoon of dish soap.

Saturate a sponge or clean rag with the soapy mixture. Then, dab onto the remaining stains. Blot the area with dry paper towels. Repeat until the stain comes off completely. Clean the area by dabbing with clean cold water.

Cover the area with dry paper towels and let it dry.

Vinegar for Porous Surfaces

Vinegar is a staple for removing stains in every household. It is a miracle worker when it comes to removing liquid chalk residue from porous surfaces such as wood.

First, mix two parts water with one part vinegar. You can increase the amount of vinegar gradually. Take a clean rag or sponge and soak it in the solution. Next, rub at the chalk stain and let it sit for some time.

Finally, scrub the spot gently after ten minutes with a dish brush. Clean and wipe the area dry.

Diluted Ammonia (Glass Cleaner) for Porous Surfaces

Glass cleaner can remove liquid chalk stains thoroughly from porous surfaces. Most commercial glass cleaners are made of ammonia. So, if you do not have glass cleaner at hand, you can use diluted ammonia.

Spray glass cleaner or diluted ammonia directly on the chalk stain. Next, take a magic eraser or melamine sponge and wipe in circular motions until the stain is gone.

Keep in mind that this method can be too strong for some paints. Hence, do a patch test on an inconspicuous area first.

Baby Wipes for Painted Surfaces

Baby wipes are made for the delicate and sensitive skin of babies. So they are gentle enough to not damage the paint. However, the cleansing agent in the wipes will break down the liquid chalk and clean the area meticulously.

First, remove any loose chalk from the area. Next, rub the remaining stain with a wipe. You might need to use a few wipes to get rid of the stain completely.

You will also need to use some elbow grease to get the job done. However, the end result will be extremely pleasing. This method is ideal for removing liquid chalk from interior walls.

Final Thoughts

Liquid chalk is a mixture of calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, alcohol, and water. The alcohol evaporates within a few seconds after coming in contact with atmospheric oxygen. Hence you are left with dry and evenly chalked ink.

Because of this formulation, it is very easy to get rid of liquid chalk from any surface. All you need is the right equipment and a little patience.

About Lindsey Carter

Lindsey and Mike C. grew up in the same neighborhood. They also went to the same Cholla Middle School together. The two famillies from time to time got together for BBQ parties...

Lindsey's family relocated to California after middle school. They occasiotnally emailed each other to update what's going on in their lives.

She received Software Engineering degree from U.C. San Francisco. While looking for work, she was guided by Mike for an engineering position at the company Mike is working for. Upon passing the job interview, Lindsey was so happy as now she could finally be back to where she'd like to grow old with.

Lindset occasionally guest posted for Mike, adding other flavors to the site while helping diverse his over-passion for baseball.

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